Asia Pacific Environmental and Occupational Health Journal

Objective: This paper aims to review the targets organs and toxicity upon exposure to Hg, the most toxic metal found on earth, via ingestion exposure pathway.

Method: The materials were accessed from online databases that cover topics such as mercury exposure and seafood consumption as well as mercury exposure and health effects among sensitive and general population.

Result: Mercury poisoning from ingestion exposure pathway are caused by both organic and inorganic mercury species as both are absorbed through the GIT. The prime target organ for inorganic mercury is the renal system whereas that of organic mercury is the central nervous system. Among adults, the reported health effects include nephritic syndrome, deficits of intelligence quotient, decrement in motor as well as attention performance and infertility. For children, numerous health effects were reported which includes impacts on cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language, fine motor skills and visual spatial skills, cerebral palsy-like symptoms, ASD, ADHD, cardiovascular as well as immunologic disorders

Conclusion: Both inorganic and organic mercury species are potential toxicant and neurobehavioral impairments are the prime outcome. Women at reproductive age, pregnant as well as lactating mothers, fetus and children are the groups most sensitive for mercury exposure and its toxic effects.

Keywords: Mercury, Ingestion, Target organ, Toxicity